Pilot Debrief

Aerotek Pitts S-2A near Cleveland, TX — 2008-07-19

Final reportDEN08LA124
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Date
2008-07-19
Location
Cleveland, TX, USA
Airport
6R3
Aircraft
Aerotek Pitts S-2A
Registration
N80053
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during his attempted performance of aerobatic maneuvers shortly after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

Witness stated that shortly after rotation, the airplane entered a "barrel roll" maneuver. The airplane "veered off to the right, nose and right wing low, [until] it hit the west edge tree line." The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 300 yards west of the runway centerline. Acquaintances stated the pilot had been known in the past to attempt an aerobatic maneuver shortly after takeoff. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine. The private pilot had not held a current medical certificate for the past 6 years.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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